Delaware Nurse Practitioner Certification

In the state of Delaware, NPs are known as APNs and are regulated by the State of Delaware Division of Professional Regulation—Board
of Nursing. Delaware NPs evaluate, assess and diagnose patients, order
diagnostic tests, record findings, set up management plans for illness
and disease, recommend medication, and provide patients with
information and advice about disease prevention and health management.

To be certified as an APN in Delaware, you must be licensed as
an RN either from Delaware or from one of the other compact states. You
will need to successfully complete a master’s degree program or earn a
"post-basic program certificate" in a clinical nursing specialty. You
must also obtain nursing certification from a national certification
agency that is recognized by the Board of Nursing, if the NP certification is available in your area of specialty.

Whether you study to receive a master’s degree or a post-basic
program certificate, your program will prepare you to evaluate,
diagnose, and treat patients, including those with chronic diseases.
You will learn how to administer preventative care and advise patients
regarding health issues. Studies will include classroom-style education
as well as practical clinical experience. You may either attend a
recognized campus-based school or complete your program online. Many
RNs choose to study online as it allows them the flexibility needed to
continue working and handle other responsibilities. Online-based
programs offer clinical hours, usually at locations that are convenient
to students.

A specific number of required practice hours must be completed
in your field of specialty. The exact number of hours depends on
whether national certification is available in your specialty. If
national certification is available, you must have either accumulated
1500 practice hours over the past 5 years or 600 practice hours over
the past 2 years; alternately, you must graduate from a specialty
program within the past 2 years. All of practice hours must be in your
area of specialty. If national certification is not available for your
specialization, you must either have accumulated 1000 practice hours
over the past 2 years or at least 100 hours of supervised practice. In
order to practice as an APN in Delaware, you must have a collaborative
agreement with a physician to oversee your work.

Delaware APNs earn an average of $79,000 annually. Salaries can vary significantly based on experience, location, and specialty.